Lon Snowden, father of National Security Agency leaker Edward Snowden, says his son loves is country but fears he won't get a fair trial in the US. Picture: AP/NBC, Peter KramerSource: AP

EDWARD Snowden's father has adopted a unique PR strategy- telling a US newspaper he's grateful as an American for what his son did while also thanking the Kremlin on Russian TV.

The young Snowden, a National Security Agency intelligence analyst, arrived in Moscow from Hong Kong with several laptops reportedly containing classified information after leaking details of US surveillance operations at home and abroad.

The 30-year-old has been staying in Sheremetyevo airport since June 23 while the United States has revoked his passport and demanded that Moscow hand him over to face felony charges. Russia is still considering his request for temporary asylum.

In a wide-ranging interview with The Washington Post, Lon Snowden said he was shocked when his son outed himself as the source of the leaks. "He simply did not talk about his work."

Since April his son had appeared troubled, but the NSA leaker had also set up a "firewall between himself and his family" and did not discuss his growing disullision with the US government.

"As a father, it pains me what he did,'' Mr Snowden said.

"I wish my son could have simply sat in Hawaii and taken the big paycheck, lived with his beautiful girlfriend and enjoyed paradise. But as an American citizen, I am absolutely thankful for what he did.''

At times emotional, the Coast Guard veteran defended his son and said he said acted with integrity.

"Yes, I am certain. I know my son. He knows he has done the right thing," he said.

Speaking with his lawyer Bruce Fein, Mr Snowden also said the FBI tried to get him fly to Moscow in an effort to persuade his sone to return to the US.

But he claims the deal collapsed when it turned out the agency had no way of establishing contact between father and son once the elder Mr Snowden touched down in Russia.

"I said, 'I want to be able to speak with my son ... Can you set up communications?' And it was, 'Well, we're not sure,' " Lon Snowden said.

"I said, "Wait a minute, folks, I'm not going to sit on the tarmac to be an emotional tool for you."

Mr Snowden said he could travel to Russia on his own, but he's not sure he would be able to see his son though he says he has spoked to him in recent days through, "intermediaries."

"Sure, I could get on a flight tomorrow to Russia. I'm not sure if I could get access to Edward,'' he said.

Mr Snowden insisted his son who "loves his country" was raised in a patriotic home in suburban Maryland where police officers and federal officers were regular visitors.

Meanwhile Lon Snowden has also told Russian television that he is grateful to the Kremlin for protecting his son.

The elder Mr Snowden's interview on Russian TV seems at odds with the patriotic childhood he told The Washington Post his son had.

Speaking on state Rossiya 24 television in remarks broadcast yesterday, Mr Snowden thanked President Vladimir Putin and his government for the "courage" they have shown in keeping his son safe.

Addressing his son, Lon Snowden said: "Edward, I hope you are watching this. Your family is well. We love you. We hope you are healthy, we hope you are well, I hope to see you soon, but most of all I want you to be safe. I want you to find a safe haven."

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